Bakery counters in Birmingham worth queuing for: levain breads, laminated pastry, regional bakes and the morning ritual.

Where to queue for bread and pastry

7 places

Continental Bakery

Order Continental sourdough loaf

Continental Bakery in English Village Mountain Brook is Carole Griffin's 1984 European bakery, with sourdough loaves, croissants and the Chez Lulu sibling.

Bandit Patisserie

Order Croissants and seasonal laminated pastries

Bandit Patisserie on 1st Avenue North downtown Birmingham is the 2013 French pastry counter in the Wooster Lofts with viennoiserie, choux buns and a coffee.

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The Essential

Order House sourdough loaf

The Essential bakery counter on First Avenue North downtown Birmingham bakes the house sourdough and pastries that anchor Kristen Hall and Victor King's cafe.

Chez Lulu

Order Bistro tarts

Chez Lulu on Cahaba Road English Village Mountain Brook bakes bistro tarts and pastries alongside Continental Bakery, both opened by Carole Griffin.

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